Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Scotland came from behind to take a half time lead and eventually sneak the win as a late Ruaridh Jackson penalty kick helped the home side beat Samoa 19-16 in Aberdeen on Saturday. It’s Scotland’s fifth win in their last six Tests this year.

Samoa scored a lovely converted try through their ever impressive scrumhalf Khan Fotuali’i after a neat chip ahead from George Pisi. Nikki Walker then crossed for a rare Scottish try that came from a neatly worked set piece move.

Dan Parks kept the scoreboard ticking and at 16-13 up after a dropgoal and a few penalties, it took the boot of Paul Williams to keep Samoa in the game and get things level.

Replacement flyhalf Jackson came on for his second ever Test with twenty minutes left and kept his nerve to slot the deciding penalty with time up in front of his home ground.

"I've supported Aberdeen since I was a kiddie and loved going to Pittodrie to support them. In those days I imagined that one day I might get the chance to get out on to that pitch and score an important goal," Jackson said.

"I was pretty nervous when I prepared to take the penalty. I just lined it up as usual - connected well, and thankfully it sailed between the posts.

"OK, it turned out it wasn't for Aberdeen - but you can't get better than claiming the winner for your country. I hope I have also brought back the winning feeling and a bit of sporting joy to the city and that the football lads can take some inspiration and start getting some good results again.

"After the final whistle sounded I ran across to my girlfriend Kirsty and her folks - then my mum and dad came down to the side of the pitch and she gave me a huge hug.

RD on the fourth paragraph i thinks you mean to say "replacement out-half jackson held his nerve" instead of hold his "never".

anyway looked like a pretty good team. it seems to me though that if the likes of samoa and fiji had a bit more time before the tests they could of won a good few matches. hope they do well in world cup next year :)

Samoa were a VERY good team as they showed in running the other home nations close, but you can also bet that they raised their game even more for this one as, just like Italy and other, they will still see Scotland as the one they can win, so taking that into account, Scotland did magnificently well to scrape a victory considering all the injuries they had.

Also, this is the exact kind of match which a couple of years ago, maybe even last year remembering the Wales debacle, Scotland probably wouldn't have seen out. The fact that they are now, under Robinson, getting these all important victories by whatever means, and actually seeing out matches when they are ahead (SA being a prime example) bodes very well for the future.

NZ was a blip, but make no mistake, Scotlands improvement is continuing and any team apart from probably NZ should take them lightly at their peril!

It's going to be an interesting 6N i feel. France away first, and if they don't hit a good day and improve from the Aussie match then they'll be there for the taking, and with 3 home games against Wales, Ireland and Italy, i think you could do worse than a cheeky tenner on the Scots for the championship! ;)

creggs08 said...RD on the fourth paragraph i thinks you mean to say "replacement out-half jackson held his nerve" instead of hold his "never".. if the likes of samoa and fiji had a bit more time before the tests they could of won a good few matches. hope they do well in world cup next year :)

That scottish commentator (forget his name) is so full of shit. As soon as he starts talking I stop listening.

As for this new fly-half; he may be a good player. but how can they guy make a judgement on him, hes played less than 40minutes of international rugby. I rekon he'll play in the 6nations and get smashed by all of the teams

Well done Scotland - I heard Andy Robinson use the words "get in the habit of winning"...I think he is damn good coach and has it right. The mental attitude of the team and capacity to grind out the win is getting impressive

That said Samoa were great throughout the match and a little unlucky with the last penalty. I think Scotland have started making their own luck...

'Resident Troll - As always - f*ck all to say just being a right twat.'

Glad to be of service...you prefer dicks to twats?

'in next years RWC - im sure most teams wont give a toss how they progress - scoring tries in nice but i'll take 3's all day long if it means my team progress/'

This is a point i've tried to make year after year when NH rugby has been slated....its not pretty but a Win is a win....if its done by kicking the whole time and kicking your way into the history books with a trophy in hand then so be it...put it this way the score is 21-23 the time is 78mins and you have a penalty in front of the posts...do you a)kick to touch and try and win the lineout and score? or b) take the kick and win....

obviously a try is more 'classic' but chances are you're screaming for your team to take the f*ing kick!!!

Yeah but results show that having a positive attitude and looking for tries is more succesful.The exception would be 2007, which was indeed a kick fest where slow, penalty ridden, set piece and defence focussed rugby was the most effective.And what a painfully boring World Cup final it was.

The commentators said Scotland's first try was great, but said nothing really about Samoa's first try, which IMHO is better. Sure the Scots try was simple and straight of the training ground and good for them to execute it to a T. But come on, the skill showed in the Samoa try is just brilliant and worth a wee bit more recognition me's thinks

"This is a point i've tried to make year after year when NH rugby has been slated....its not pretty but a Win is a win....if its done by kicking the whole time and kicking your way into the history books with a trophy in hand then so be it...put it this way the score is 21-23 the time is 78mins and you have a penalty in front of the posts...do you a)kick to touch and try and win the lineout and score? or b) take the kick and win...."

resident troll you fucking idiot, who wouldn't take the kick in that situation... fucking muppet